Subaru Leans In On EVs With The Trailseeker, An Off-Road Destined SUV
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV
Subaru is never one to follow the crowd. And when it comes to electric vehicles, rather than backing off its strategy, the company is leaning in big and delivering all that the rugged brand is known for. Its new EV, the Subaru Trailseeker, will no doubt set new standards on off-road trails and will deliver an astounding 375 hp, the most powerful Subaru ever.
First revealed at the 2025 New York Auto Show, the Trailseeker will also feature the brand's signature all wheel drive system as well as the necessities for trail riding: All terrain tires, underbody protection, tow hooks, an enhanced off-road mode called X Mode, reinforced roof rails and an 8.3' ground clearance.
Subaru first entered the EV market with the diminutive Solterra, an AWD compact SUV that produces 215 hp and a range of about 225 miles. While it delivered the sustainability that Subaru fans value, it wasn't as roomy or capable as other Subaru models. What the brand needed was a model that blended the Solterra's advantages with the fearures of its most popular model, the Outback.
The Subaru Trailseeker does just that: It's sized similarly to the Outback, with seating for five and a roomy cargo area. It also delivers on the rugged capability with all-terrain features that mean it can go almost anywhere.
The interior of the Subaru Trailseeker
Where the Trailseeker diverges from the Outback is in its novel new design. The first thing drivers will see is the squircle steering wheel, a flat-topped and -bottomed wheel designed to improve driver visibility that is fast becoming the hallmark of electric vehicles; many feature this design.
Building on the idea of improved visibility, the driver display screen is smaller than past screens and sits away from the driver, instead positioned near the windshield. In all, the effect is 'eyes up and out' which will better improve safety keep the driver focused on the road.
The Trailseeker's cabin is anchored by a 14' multimedia screen and a center console with dual wireless charge pads sized for large phones, a dial gear selector and drive assistance features including the drive mode selector.
The Subaru Trailseeker EV is designed for off-roading
For the 2026 Trailseeker, as well as the Solterra, Subaru upgraded the electric powertrain. In addition to the delivery of 375 hp, the 150 kW system will be able to charge faster, recouping up to 80% of charge in just 30 minutes at a DC fast charger.
The 2026 Subaru Solterra, which also features the new powertrain, will notch up the power output to 233 hp, will deliver a significant uptick in range, with about 285 miles per charge when the new Solterra hits the road later this year. The Trailseeker is expected to have a range of about 260 miles.
The Subaru Trailseeker's front end New York Auto Show
The Subaru Trailseeker, as well as the Solterra, are the result of a joint venture with Toyota, which produces the bZ (formerly called the bZ4x) on the same platform. The Toyota bZ and the Solterra are similarly sized and outfitted, but the bZ Woodland edition is the Trailseeker's doppelgänger.
All share similar interior details such as the dial gear shifter, 14' center screen, driver display and squircle steering wheel, though exterior details, colors, wheels and other design elements are unique, as is each car's performance tuning. The Toyota bZ is better suited for city driving and offers a single motor version with a higher driving range, while the Trailseeker and Solterra are exclusively dual motor AWD.
The new Subaru Trailseeker's rear nameplate
For off-road brands, the destination is the luxury, but Subaru takes it a step further, adding lots of luxe features even in the base model of the Trailseeker. This includes the AWD dual motor powertrain, off-road features, heated front seats and large multimedia screen, which are all standard.
Buyers can upgrade to the mid-level trim and add a few more features, or go all in with the top level trim and add a panoramic sunroof, a radiant heat dashboard to warm driver and passenger's knees, a premium sound system and the option of leather upholstery.
Probably the greatest luxury, though, is the promise of true Subaru-style capability on the trail, in the snow or simply, around town, though with the added luxury of silent electric performance. The Subaru Trailseeker is expected to begin deliveries in early 2026.
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